Highland Park has launched the third bottling from the distillery’s Orcadian Vintage Series - a 1970 Vintage.

First launched in autumn 2009, the Orcadian Vintage Series draws on the distillery’s connections with Orkney’s cultural heritage.

Matthew Turner, global controller of Highland Park said: “Following the success of the 1968 and 1964 Vintages, up to ten exclusive limited editions will be released over the next four years. The 1970 Vintage demonstrates the skilful hand-selection process carried out by our Whisky Maker Max McFarlane, to find casks from a specific year that, based on their maturity and exceptional character, will deliver consistency and Highland Park’s inimitable balance.”

Specifically chosen by Max McFarlane, the whisky has been created from seven casks which were laid down with new make spirit in 1970. All were refill casks comprising both butts and hogsheads, producing a total of just 1,800 bottles at natural cask strength of 48% abv.

The liquid is bottled in jet back glass adorned with a silver embossed Pictish knot which circles the necker and banding. The pewter ‘H’ amulette completes the design.

The 1970 Vintage is presented in a naturally coloured oak wooden box. The box illustration celebrates Orkney’s Scandinavian heritage, inspired specifically by a carving in the Ringerike style on an 11th century tomb. The illustration is a combat motif featuring a dragon-like creature which is shown seizing a lesser beast.